Latest News from Paula Bennett

Tourism spending continued to grow throughout most regions in the year to November 2016, providing a solid base ahead of the high summer season, Tourism Minister Paula Bennett says.

According to the Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates released today by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), tourism expenditure grew in most regions over the year to November 2016. The fastest growing region was Nelson, which increased 15 per cent over the year to $337 million, followed by Otago (up 14 per cent to $3.5 billion) and West Coast (up 11 per cent to $475 million).

“Tourism spending has continued its growth trend over this year, and it’s great to see spending so strong before the summer season when tourist numbers are at their highest,” says Mrs Bennett.

“The latest data shows that, overall, the earthquake on 14 November had a limited impact on national tourism expenditure. However it had a significant impact on the total visitor spend in the North Canterbury region.

“The Government has already announced a number of support packages for the earthquake affected areas, underlining our commitment to supporting the local tourism industry.

“As the earthquake occurred midway through November, the full impacts on the regional economies in affected areas are not completely shown. The data for the month of December, due to be released on 26 January, will give a clearer indication of how tourism spending has been affected.”

Key facts for earthquake affected areas:

Tourism spending in North Canterbury, which includes Kaikoura and Hurunui Districts, saw a 20 per cent fall in tourism spending in November 2016 (to $22 million) compared with November 2015.

International visitors’ spending in North Canterbury fell 29 per cent in November 2016 (compared with November 2015), while domestic visitor spending fell 13 per cent over the same period.

In areas adjacent to North Canterbury: Marlborough fell 1 per cent in November 2016 (compared with November 2015); Christchurch increased by 1 per cent; and South Canterbury grew a strong 12 per cent.

Some of New Zealand’s most inspiring women have been recognised in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list released today.

Olympian Valerie Adams, Maori educator Georgina Kingi and former Wellington Mayor Fran Wilde were all made Dames Companion and were among 81 women to receive a New Year Honour. Minister for Women Paula Bennett says all New Zealanders will be celebrating their achievements.

“Everyone on this list has been recognised for the exceptional work they do, for their communities and for their country. They are role models for all New Zealanders, and I am very proud of their achievements,” says Mrs Bennett.

“This year 43 per cent of recipients were women. Every day I met women across New Zealand who are making a huge contribution to our country and these Honours reflect that.

“These are real stories of success and proof that we live in a country where women can do anything. I’m especially proud of members of our police service Senior Constable Susan Guy and Sergeant Susan Robinson who have been made Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit.”

Senior Constable Guy and Sergeant Robinson co-established the Wahine Toa initiative to work with young women who have been victims of sexual abuse and provide support programmes to improve the wellbeing, education, safety and self-esteem of the participants.

Co-founder of Napier Community Patrol Sandra Ibbotson has also received the Queen's Service Medal for services to the community.

“I am a staunch advocate for women and will continue to fight for equal rights for everyone. Making women more visible in all layers of society will help us fight unfairness and inequality wherever it may arise,” says Mrs Bennett.